Donald Siler

Don Siler was unexpectedly taken from us on November 25, 2022, at the young age of 90. He was a lifelong resident of the El Reno area. He is the youngest child of Ernest and Leora Siler, born on January 21, 1932. He attended El Reno High School, graduating in 1950. Following graduation, he worked for Western Electric as an installer until he was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea from 1952-1954. Upon returning from the war, he met and married his lifetime bride, Corinna on April Fool's Day 1955. On their first wedding anniversary they celebrated with the birth of their son Don Paul who tragically passed away that same year. Don and Corinna welcomed four girls over the span of 21 years starting in 1957.
Don worked various jobs over the next several years, including owning and operating the Northside Package Store with Corinna from 1963-1980. In 1967 he began his career with the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, retiring in 1987 as Correctional Counselor.
Upon his retirement he devoted all of his time to his true passion, his farm. After selling their Blanchard ranch in 1972, Don and Corinna purchased their farm near Concho where he continued his love of raising cattle and farming. Don also had a love of gardening, being passionate about his roses and tomatoes.
Don had a sense of adventure and loved to travel. A lot, if not most of his trips were planned around OU football games. They were season ticket holders from the early 1960s until the present. Don was also passionate about bird hunting and working with his many dogs. He enjoyed his trips to town to see friends and meet new ones. He didn't know a stranger, having a genuine love of people.
Above all, Don loved and devoted his life to his family. He was up to the challenge of raising four daughters, teaching them to be strong, successful, and independent. Daddy gave us the greatest gift you could ever give another person, he believed in us.
He was a continuous member of the American Legion Post 34 for over 67 years, something that he was very proud of. Don was also a member of the VFW and a previous member of the ELKS.
Proceeding him in death were his parents, Ernest and Leora Siler, his siblings Marvin, Melvin, Velta (Griesel), infant brother Delbert, John (W.J.), Dwight, Ima Jean (Crouch) Siler and infant son Don Paul.
He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Corinna, his daughters Teresa (Mike) Kelly of El Reno, Karen (Mark) Keller of Corvallis, OR, Ladona Wyatt of Mansfield, TX, and Jessica McNeall of Okarche. He is also survived by his grandchildren Shane (Crystal) Donham, Lisa (Nate) Shelton, Karisa Cayetano, Taylor, Leah and Luke McNeall. He was further blessed with great-grandchildren Madisyn and Avery Donham, Eli and Isaac Shelton, Kiera, Kylie and Zack Cayetano. Sister-in-laws surviving him are Sherrilynn (Jack) Bosler, Janice Caster and Christine Jeston-Caster. He also leaves behind great-nephew David Griesel who has been instrumental in helping him continue to farm as time moved forward.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to El Reno Mobile Meals.
A funeral service to honor the life of Donald Siler will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, December 5, 2022 at the El Reno First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the El Reno Cemetery. Friends are invited to come pay their respects at Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, December 4 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.